Sports

Youth Olympics: NSC Sends Team Nigeria to Senegal, Announces $3,000 Gold Medal Reward

Published

2 hours ago

October 27, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Team Nigeria contingents to the Youth Olympic Games have been charged to be good ambassadors of the country and compete with pride, dignity and patriotism at the Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Also, NSC announced cash rewards of $2,000, $2,500 and $3,000 for Nigerian athletes who win bronze, silver and gold medals, respectively, at the Youth Olympic competition in Dakar.

Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade gave the young athletes the charge during their send forth ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja.

The DG called on the athletes to make the best use of the opportunity the country has given to them to represent Nigeria at the first ever youth Olympic Games holding in Africa and motivate them to further dream big ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

He assured them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fatherly commitment to their growth and development both in sports and their education.

“The Youth Olympic in Dakar is very historic and you all are making history makers to be part of the first Olympic Games to be held in Africa. This is why I am very confidence that these games will mark the beginning of greatness for all of you.

“We have selected you all to represent the country in your various sports because you represent the core crop of our future stars and i want you all all to stay focused, disciplined and passionate about your careers”.

The DG said the Commision has been laying huge emphasis on an aggressive and strategic grassroots drive which has produced programs like IJA – the invited Junior Athletes and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will further give exposure to some of the country’s exciting young athletes from the IJA Program.

The Nigerian athletes were presented in their colorful and gorgeous green and white national kits, as the NSC officially handed them over to the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC as they get set to depart the country for Dakar on Thursday.

While receiving the athletes, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, Engr Habu Gumel assured the Commission that the athletes will be well taken care of in Dakar by the International Olympic Committee, IOC and the NOC and further assured that they will all compete clean and return to the country clean after the Games.

The Youth Olympics in Senegal, is expected to welcome over 2700 young athletes from all over the world, competing for honors and national pride from October 31 to November 13 in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal.

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Sports

Nigerian Goalkeeper James Honoured with Spot in Finland’s Team of the Season

Published

1 hour ago

October 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Ibrahim Lawal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Samuel Friday James has earned recognition among the best-performing players in Finland following his impressive displays for SJK Akatemia in the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper ranks second among the league’s selected best-performing XI, with an average rating of 7.61, according to statistics published by Totori News.

James’ performances have stood out despite the challenging campaign faced by his club, with his consistency between the posts making him one of the bright spots in the team.

The former Mavlon FC goalkeeper has recorded four clean sheets in Finland’s Ykkösliiga this season, while his shot-stopping ability has further underlined his growing reputation in European football.

According to available season statistics from FootyStats, James has made 20 league appearances, playing 1,800 minutes. He has conceded 32 goals and made 75 saves from 109 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of approximately 68.8 per cent.

His four clean sheets account for 20 per cent of his league appearances, demonstrating his ability to keep opponents at bay despite the defensive challenges confronting his team.

James has also shown composure and resilience in difficult matches, including his recent international outing for Nigeria against Russia, where he made his senior Super Eagles appearance in the 3-3 friendly draw on October 6.

Standing at 1.95 metres, the young goalkeeper possesses the physical attributes required for the modern game, combining his reach with quick reactions and an increasingly valuable experience of European football.

His rise has been particularly encouraging following his move from Lagos-based Mavlon FC to Finland in 2025. Since then, he has continued to develop through regular competitive football and has attracted attention for his performances.

James’ latest statistical recognition of 7.55 rating in the team of the season adds to his growing profile as Nigeria continues to assess goalkeeping options for the future.

At 20, the goalkeeper will be hoping to build on his progress in Finland and establish himself as a regular contender for the Super Eagles, while continuing to improve his performances at club level.

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